For many people, pets are beloved companions, offering comfort, joy, and routine. Now, new research suggests that the benefits of owning a cat or dog may go even deeper—potentially slowing cognitive decline as we age. A recent study published in Scientific Reports has linked pet ownership, specifically of cats and dogs, to healthier brain aging in older adults. This finding adds to a growing body of evidence that lifestyle choices, including the presence of a furry friend, can influence long-term brain health.

The study analyzed 18 years of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), involving about 16,500 individuals between the ages of 50 and 99. All participants experienced some degree of cognitive decline over time, but those who owned cats and dogs saw that decline occur more slowly in several key areas. Dog owners showed a slower decline in both immediate and delayed memory recall. Cat owners, meanwhile, maintained stronger verbal fluency and delayed memory. These cognitive domains are often among the first to be affected in age-related cognitive impairment, making the findings especially noteworthy.

Interestingly, the study found no significant cognitive benefits among owners of birds or fish. According to Dr. Mohamad Koubeissi, chair of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at George Washington University, this may be due to the nature and frequency of interaction that different pets require. “The depth, frequency, and nature of interaction with birds and fish may simply fall below the threshold needed to provide measurable cognitive benefits over time,” he explained in commentary to Verywell Health.

I found this detail striking: pet owners in the study actually began with slightly lower memory scores than non-pet owners, yet still experienced a slower rate of decline. As Dr. Koubeissi noted, this suggests that pet ownership might be protective even for individuals starting from a cognitive disadvantage. It's a compelling argument for the potential of pets to serve as more than just companions—they may also be allies in maintaining brain health.

Why might cats and dogs have this kind of impact? Experts point to several likely factors. Dog ownership, for example, often involves regular walking and play, which can lead to increased physical activity and social interaction—both known to support cognitive function. “Dogs need to be walked and are playful, so there’s going to be increased physical activity and social interaction, and an increased level of emotional bonding,” said Dr. Nicholas Streicher, a neurologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Cat owners may benefit more from emotional companionship and the social connections that often come from sharing stories and experiences about their pets. Relationships with pets have also been shown to reduce stress and feelings of loneliness, both of which are risk factors for cognitive decline. The mental demands of caring for a pet—such as maintaining routines, interpreting behavior, and solving minor challenges—may also stimulate the brain in meaningful ways.

Supporting this idea, smaller studies have linked interactions with cats and dogs to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain involved in behavior regulation, emotional response, memory, and language. These interactions may help keep the brain engaged and resilient, especially in older adults. The concept of "cognitive reserve"—the brain's ability to adapt and find alternate ways to perform tasks—may also play a role. Building cognitive reserve through emotionally enriching and mentally stimulating activities, like pet ownership, could help delay the onset or reduce the severity of cognitive decline later in life.

The study also raises the question of whether one type of pet might offer more cognitive benefits than another. While both cat and dog owners saw positive effects, dog owners appeared to experience broader protection, particularly in memory-related functions. Dr. Streicher suggested this might be because dog ownership tends to involve more physical activity and social interaction, both of which are strongly linked to cognitive health. However, the emotional bond and daily care routines associated with cat ownership should not be underestimated.

It’s important to note that not all pets are equal in this context. Bird and fish owners did not experience the same cognitive benefits. These animals typically require less active care and may not foster the same level of emotional closeness or frequent interaction. Their generally shorter lifespans might also limit long-term cognitive benefits. As Dr. Koubeissi pointed out, the nature of the interaction seems to matter as much as the pet itself.

While this study focused on older adults, experts suggest that younger pet owners may also benefit. The same factors—stress reduction, increased physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and social interaction—can help build a stronger cognitive reserve earlier in life. This reserve may act as a buffer against future cognitive decline, making pet ownership a potentially valuable investment in lifelong brain health.

Ultimately, the study underscores the idea that our everyday choices, including how we spend our time and who—or what—we share it with, can have a meaningful impact on cognitive aging. For those considering a pet, or already enjoying the companionship of a dog or cat, this research offers yet another reason to appreciate the role these animals play in our lives—not just as friends, but as partners in staying mentally sharp and emotionally grounded.

Read more at verywellhealth.com